Lead Process Modeling Engineer — Hybrid (Sandton)

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive-level health coverage

Retirement plan with matching

Performance-based bonuses

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Chemical Engineer in Sandton to lead advanced process modeling and simulation for complex chemical plants. You will mentor junior engineers, develop custom model components, and drive optimization of designs and operations using Aspen Plus, HYSYS, gPROMS, and COMSOL.

The role requires 10+ years in process modeling, a PhD or MSc in Chemical Engineering, and strong programming in Python or MATLAB for data analysis and scripting.

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering with a computational focus.
• 10+ years in process modeling and simulation in chemical/petrochemical industries.
• Expert-level proficiency in major process simulators and underlying algorithms.
• Experience with Python or MATLAB for data analysis and scripting.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and application of advanced process models for steady-state and dynamic simulations of complex chemical plants.
• Utilize industry-leading simulation software (Aspen Plus, HYSYS, gPROMS, COMSOL) to optimize designs and operating conditions.
• Develop custom model components and scripting for specialized simulation needs.
• Perform sensitivity analyses, uncertainty quantification, and optimization studies using simulations.
• Provide expert technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers in process modeling and simulation techniques.
• Collaborate with project teams to define simulation objectives, scope and deliverables.
• Interpret results and translate into actionable design and operation recommendations.
• Stay current with advancements in process modeling software and numerical techniques.
• Contribute to internal standards and best practices for process simulation.
• Present technical findings to clients and internal stakeholders.

Skills

Mentoring

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Communication skills

Education

Master's degree in Chemical Engineering

PhD in Chemical Engineering or related field

Tools

Aspen Plus

HYSYS

gPROMS

COMSOL

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Chemical Engineer in Sandton to lead advanced process modeling and simulation for complex chemical plants. You will mentor junior engineers, develop custom model components, and drive optimization of designs and operations using Aspen Plus, HYSYS, gPROMS, and COMSOL.

The role requires 10+ years in process modeling, a PhD or MSc in Chemical Engineering, and strong programming in Python or MATLAB for data analysis and scripting.